CHRISTMAS MUSINGS

 Christmas Day started out well, I got up early, turned on the twinkle lights, put out the flag, and lighted the scented pine candle.

I was walking towards that awaited first cup of coffee

when I smelled something that wasn't quite right.

Needing the coffee really bad,

I disregarded the smell.

When I opened Mom door for the first time that morning,

it hit me like a ton of bricks...

I wanted to run for the hills

screaming.

The day didn't get a whole lot better.

Oh, it had its good moments

we opened our gifts,

that took about 20 minutes.

We got a call from my brother in Europe

and had a good chat.

I called my sis, Susan and my niece Kate and

 laughed with them for a while.

Mom was pretty much out of it all day

and Dad decided he wanted to be contrary

at every turn. Negativity was the word of the day.

Don't get me wrong, I believe Christmas

is a season, not just one day

and the season was good.

I did a few simple decorations,

put up a tree,

sent and received a few Christmas cards.

I even did some baking

(in my toaster oven).

And had some lovely neighbors drop by

bringing all kinds of goodies and good cheer.

On Christmas eve, my brother Bill and wife Pat

and of course their sweet dog Roxy

came for a visit and dinner.

Mom looking cool in her new shirt from Sue.

I think my problem with Christmas Day,

and it was "my problem", was mostly in my head.

You know how you fantasize about the perfect holiday,

and how everything is so magical

and then you live it

and it's not.

Well we ended up not communicating much of the day.

Mom and Dad slept a lot.

In my bad mood and depression,

I sent a frustrated text to my sister

and screwed her mood up as well.

I felt even worse about that, sorry Sue.

So I went to bed and put the covers over my head.

Salvation!
Later that night I turned on the TV and found 
"The Homecoming"

The original Christmas special that introduced
the world to the Waltons.
I was redeemed and smiling
when I shut off the lights.

Goodnight John Boy.